This post is the last one dedicated to New Year in Japan. I wanted to show you these decorations found in pairs in front of stores and shrines to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest. They are made made of pine, bamboo and plum tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively. After January 15, the kadomatsu is burned to appease and release the spirits .

A little before midnight, people go to the temple or stay in front of theit TV to ring the bell 108 times before the new year. The 108 times represent the 108 filaments in buddhism. That’s what we did, in front of our TV in the warmth of our apartment!